2024 Festive Indonesia & Eastern Orient Express

regional and premium class flights may be available on request

Upon arrival, transfer to a 4★ hotel for your two night stay

Explore this incredible city at your leisure

Transfer to the port to embark the 4★ Noordam for your 14 night full board cruise

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Indonesia’s second-largest city and Java’s capital, Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes thanks to the important role it played in capturing international attention during the country’s revolution in the 1940s. And that independent spirit is still palpable among the metropolis's internationally diverse population of nearly three million people. Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only synagogue as well as the largest mosque in East Java. And colonial-era buildings sit just a short stroll from glitzy new shopping centers. Visitors have much to experience, whether taking in the extensive artifacts in the Museum Mpu Tantular, seeing where Indonesia’s clove cigarettes got their beginnings at the House of Sampoerna or venturing into the city’s green lung with a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Wonorejo. You’ll feel transported to a Middle Eastern bazaar at the Pasar Ampel, where the vendors hawk spices, sticky sweet dates and imported carpets. And a visit to Kenjeran Beach, right in the city, offers the chance to spot fishermen showcasing their fresh catch or take in views of one of Indonesia’s longest bridges. Obviously, deciding where to spend your time will be your main conundrum in Surabaya.

Probolinggo is a pretty port town on the north coast of East Java that's home to the ethnic minority Tengger people. The city garners mainly tourist attention as a jumping-off point for visiting Mount Bromo. One of Indonesia's most spectacular volcanoes, Bromo is best viewed at sunrise but makes a strong impression any time of the day. While the top has blown off, the 2,329-meter-high (7,641-foot) peak contains a cone that's still active. And views of the surrounding volcanoes from here are just as thrilling. If you opt to stick around Probolinggo, a town of roughly 217,000 people, you'll be pleasantly surprised. There are none of the stifling crowds and pollution of Jakarta here. A pedicab tour is a fun way to get around to see the city's Chinese temple, pleasant city square, churches and museum. But the main sites are just as easily visited on foot. There are beautiful beaches, temples, waterfalls and bamboo forests to see in and around Probolinggo. And just seven kilometers (four miles) from town at Bentar Indah Beach, you can go for a swim or stroll along the white sand. Before leaving, shop for a typical batik from the region to take home as a souvenir.

Located on Bali’s north shore, Celukan Bawang is gateway to beautiful white- and black-sand beaches, coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple complex.

Beautiful Bali is everything you imagine it will be; humbling temples, tranquil lakes, traditional villages, idyllic sands and thriving paddy fields.

One of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Komodo Island is famous for its bright blue waters, steep sloping hills, and the four thousand giant lizards who call the island home.

One of our "off the beaten path" destinations, Lembar is located on the island of Lombok, just east of Bali. With its slow pace, beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest volcano, Lombok offers quite days amidst spectacular beauty. Discover Tanjung Aan near the Kuta Beach, where the sand looks like pepper; shop for local handicrafts and weavings in the islands small villages; and drink from the fountain of youth at Narmada Park. Sample shore excursions: Mataram Highlights, Sasak Native Village & Kuta Beach.

Step back into the colonial days of the Dutch East India Company in Old Semerang. Or journey to Borobudur Temple, where ten massive stone terraces, each representing a different stage of enlightenment, are topped by the Great Stupa. Sample shore excursions: Semarang City Tour; Borobudur.

Tanjung Priok is your gateway to Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest city and exotic capital. Visit The National Museum of Indonesia chronicling sixteen centuries of history; explore Indonesian culture at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah; wander the streets of Old Town and learn about Dutch colonial architecture; tour Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque), the largest mosque in Southeast Asia; and shop for treasures in one of the city’s excellent shopping malls.

Diamond-shaped Pulau Ujong is Singapore's main island and it's bursting with colour, energy and culture.

Transfer to a 4★ hotel for your overnight stay

This morning, board the handsome green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station, Singapore, and settle into your air-conditioned cabin. Cherrywood panelling, Malaysian embroidery and Thai silks create the perfect sanctuary. Admire the lush passing landscapes as your steward serves an exquisite afternoon tea in your cabin. Soon, evening falls and it's time to dress for dinner. Savour the flavours of locally inspired specialities in the Dining Car, followed by engaging entertainment on board (AT,D)

During breakfast in the Dining Car, soak up the vistas as the train courses past the rice paddies and timeless rural villages of western Malaysia. After lunch, alight at Alor Setar station for a 25 minute boat trip to Langkawi's Pulau Payar Marine Park. Be provided with a luxury picnic set and have an array of options to choose from. Unwind with wellness experiences such as a massage, meditation and tai chi, try paddle boarding and snorkelling or stride off on an island walk. With a friendly welcome from the locals and access to a bar for cocktails and a BBQ, this is a true glimpse of paradise. Returning to the train, an evening of lively celebrations with local entertainers awaits in the Piano Bar Car, accompanied by a delicious dinner (B,L,D)

A merry Christmas is promised as you arrive in Penang Island, Malaysia's cultural melting pot, on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Islanders of all religion love a celebration so you're sure to spot glittering trees and decorations, and even hear a carol or two. As the festive celebrations come to an end a final celebratory evening beckons. Pop the Champagne, indulge in irresistible cuisine and enjoy fabulous festive entertainment. If you're still up shortly after midnight, you'll glimpse Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.

Enjoy breakfast whilst travelling through the southernmost state of Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest. Soon afterwards, the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where you disembark with your magical memories (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

(regional and premium class flights may be available on request)